You've Got to Be Kidding!: How to Keep Your Job Without Losing Your Integrity

A Word about Child Pornography

This chapter has focused on adult pornography, which—whether one likes it or not—is a legal expression of free speech in the United States. I often receive a darn good question related to this topic in my seminars, however: what should an employee do if ever confronted by child pornography in workplace situations? Child pornography in both the United States and Canada is illegal, period—whether in the workplace or the community. It makes no difference where you observe it; you must immediately take action.

If you are ever exposed to child pornography of any kind on any computer site, authorities will tell you to “freeze” immediately (i.e., don’t leave the Web site or allow anyone to touch it)—pick up your phone and call the local police! You must do this even if it occurs in your home. Police Chief John Luse of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, advises: “From that point on, do not touch anything until the police arrive. Then, turn your computer over to them.”

Snap Quiz: Our company policy restricts “inappropriate e-mail,” whatever that is. Some of my coworkers tend to circulate e-mail that is humorous, in their opinion, but sometimes borders on objectionable smut in my eyes. I have made my personal objections clear, so I am not on the list serve for “fun” (that’s what they call it). I’m neither a prude nor a tattletale, but I can tell that they’re distracted from their jobs when they all gather around a monitor for a good laugh. Should I just ...